The Richmond Compiler - John P. Coon's Operation
Submitted by: Billie Grunden bilfre64@yahoo.com May 2008
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Richmond Compiler February or March 1844
SURGICAL OPERATION -- It is known to many of our readers that our fellow citizen, John P. Coon,
esq., has for several years been afflicted with a medulary sarenatous(?) tumor, situated on the
masseter(?) muscle, a little above the angle of the lower jaw, extending a little under the ear,
and in the immediate vicinity of the carotid artery and the facial nerve. The tumor has recently
grown more rapidly than heretofore, and became painful in bad weather, and, owing to its connection
with the vitals, very dangerous; so much so, that Mr. Coons determined to have it cut out,
notwithstanding the risk of cutting the artery or nerve in the operation.
Dr. Ricos performed the operation last Saturday, and we are happy to say, with perfect safety. He
performed it with great composure and skill, manifesting a thorough knowledge of the science of
surgery, as well as that the firmness and self possession indispensable to its successful practice.
The tumor had swollen a little larger than a hen's egg, and contained a considerable quantity of
brainy matter. Tho' the operation must have been exceedingly painful, Mr. Coons bore it like a hero.